Unknotting Bach Goldberg Variations - Var.1

[@janvandijkhuizen5113]

What smart and totally logical and comfortable solution to a tricky technical problem. I wish I had thought of it myself. Thank you!

[@marklondon2008]

wonderful. you show how inventive Bach is with different voices.

[@jdbrown371]

If you've played the Partitas and have experience with the WTC preludes and fugues then many (most?) of the Goldberg variations are surprisingly playable. It's worthwhile to play any one of them that look easier that you can play right away. You will surprise yourself how far you can get. There are however exceptions. Some look easy on paper but lead to a traffic jam with the hands bc the Goldberg vars were originally intended for two manuals (like many of Couperin's pieces). Paul Barton's solutions don't always work and sometimes he doesn't divide the hands when it really could help like w/ the start of var 20. Find your own way after playing all the easier variations. Paul Barton does a great service showing his solutions and reminding us that these pieces can be played and enjoyed by amateurs.

[@amateursoundz6262]

The goldberg variations were less difficult than the WTC for me. Although the goldbergs may be more technically difficult, they are musically much less complex, and thus easier to learn and memorize.

[@carolehague]

Thank you! I played the cello for years and now piano at age 70, this has helped me so much...thank you again!

[@David-jo1er]

This is brilliant! Not being able to read notes - always being able to learn by ear, I've been looking for something like this for variation 1... + the visual cam angle makes it even easier. Now subscribing! Paul, thank you for this video!

[@ViviennesComfort]

Thanks thanks THANKS for playing this as slowly as you did! Your first video had great suggestions for "unknotting" this variation- but this is way better (and so nice to listen to)!!! Thanks for sharing your talent.

[@jamescoll3855]

Paul, thank you for putting this up. I have just started the Goldbergs and I expect it to be a long journey. I was just about to re-write the aria without ornamentation when I remembered your video and, boom, there's a score with ornamentation taken out. Cheers! (Also nice technique!)

[@aizawamegamill]

Thank you for teaching us via your channel. Your fingering suggestions are really helpful. I just completely learned the variation 1 with your noted music sheet. Very helpful and inspiring.

[@thijsv6770]

Thanks , the fingering is very helpful in bar 5 & 6, and I'm going to try your suggestion in bars 13 & 14. It sounds good and is doable.

[@jamesdong8179]

Thank you a lot for this - I am not a very experienced piano player, and this really helps

[@guymann9567]

Awesome... Been some time since I played this piece.. I'll be looking at your fingerings when I tackle it again! Thank you!

[@ccgilliatt]

This is great thanks. I've learned the aria, now working on this. I use the monkey-see method writing down every note letter (don't read music, never took lesson) so this is perfect if long term project for me.

[@Sam029andCo]

Thank you for all your contribution, its very very helpfull

[@aether08]

THANK YOU so much for this.

[@dasteufelhund]

The best analysis.

[@philemoncicero3406]

you make it look so easy!

[@agneteht]

The only thing I miss here is a play through in separate hands at moderate speed. I need to hear each melody separately to help my memorising and I have struggled finding that for complex pieces. It's as if, if you are at the level where you need to hear them separately you aren't allowed to enter the playground :)

[@lesterpenalosa8576]

Thank you! This has been very helpful!

[@ImprovingAbility]

I can't remember more than 3 or maybe 4 notes.. I have no idea how these people do it. Must have superhuman brain.

[@Gatsbi]

Hi link to pdf does not work. Appreciate if you could update

[@alejandrocespedes4923]

Thank you so much

[@MootPoot]

10:45

[@MootPoot]

5:58

[@purvisvandongen4258]

play at 1.25 speed and voila

[@MootPoot]

9:07

[@ESP1138]

I wish I could play this tune. I prayed to Lucifer to give me talent like this in exchange for my soul.

[@fadyfarouk8635]

ESP1138 Bach himself said that talent is not that important, all you have got to do is practice

[@kensukei.4984]

I don't think Variation 1 is that difficult as to require Satan's help o_o

[@fadyfarouk8635]

Kensuke I. Yes he should see variation 26 or 28

[@ESP1138]

In that case thank you for your opinion. I should make an effort to learn it.

[@fadyfarouk8635]

ESP1138 good luck :)